ocelot
Sign in to saveThe ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) is a medium-sized spotted wild cat that reaches at the shoulders and weighs between on average. It is native to the southwestern United States, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean islands of Trinidad and Margarita. Carl Linnaeus scientifically described it in 1758. Two subspecies are recognized.
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The ocelot is a medium-sized spotted wild cat native to the southwestern United States, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean islands of Trinidad and Margarita. It matters as a notable member of the wild cat family that has been scientifically recognized since Carl Linnaeus first described it in 1758.
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16 sectionsContents
- Etymology
- Taxonomy
- Subspecies
- Phylogeny
- Characteristics
- Distribution and habitat
- Ecology and behavior
- Hunting and diet
- Reproduction and life cycle
- Threats
- Conservation
- In Texas
- In captivity
- In culture
- References
- External links
The ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) is a medium-sized spotted wild cat that reaches at the shoulders and weighs between on average. It is native to the southwestern United States, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean islands of Trinidad and Margarita. Carl Linnaeus scientifically described it in 1758. Two subspecies are recognized.
The ocelot is efficient at climbing, leaping and swimming. It prefers areas close to water sources with dense vegetation cover and high prey availability. It preys on small terrestrial mammals, such as armadilloes, opossums, and lagomorphs. It is typically active during twilight and at night and tends to be solitary and territorial. Both sexes become sexually mature at around two years of age and can breed throughout the year; peak mating season varies geographically. After a gestation period of two to three months, the female gives birth to a litter of one to three kittens. They stay with their mother for up to two years, after which they leave to establish their own home ranges.
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Animal taxa named by Carl LinnaeusCarnivorans of BrazilESA endangered speciesFauna listed on CITES Appendix IFauna of the AmazonFauna of the CaatingaFauna of the PantanalFauna of the Southwestern United StatesFelidae of Central AmericaFelidae of North AmericaFelidae of South AmericaIUCN Red List least concern species